Justine Henin admits the Australian Open will be a fitness battle as former world No 1 begins injury comeback

Former women's world No 1 Justine Henin will nurse an elbow injury through next month's Australian Open and says she may be six months away from full fitness.

Henin will make her return from injury at the Hopman Cup mixed teams event which starts in Perth on Saturday, ensuring she will play at least three singles and three doubles matches before the first Grand Slam of the season.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner, who last played a major event at Wimbledon in June, said her elbow was not completely healed and would have to be closely monitored in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

Comeback: Justine Henin will make her return from injury at the Hopman Cup